<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
You are absolutely right that skin biopsy studies are useful and indicated
only when DH is in the differential diagnosis. Only 2-3% of patients who
initially present with CD go on to develop skin lesions consistent with DH.
As to the question of the tests for diagnosing CD, you are also right in
assuming that biopsy is the gold standard. However, I must say that serum
tests, especially for endomysial antibodies, are very specific for CD.
Vijay Kumar
Research Associate Professor
[log in to unmask]